Improving the Quality of Life on Earth: Societal Impacts of Human Space Flight - Wyle, NASA and German Space Agency DLR Sponsor Plenary and Business Forum - October 3, 2012

Agency heads and senior executives of dozens of the world's space agencies along with academics, researchers, industry and commerce executives, students, and young professionals convened at the International Astronautical Congress in Naples, Italy October 1-5, 2011.

Every year, the International Astronautical Federation together with the International Academy of Astronautics and the International Institute of Space Law, holds the Congress which consists of plenary sessions, lectures, meetings, and a large exhibition. As part of its mission of connecting people in the space industry, the Federation developed the idea of clustering various types of organizations in “Cluster Forums” with the objective of fostering collaboration between small enterprises, research and development institutions, universities and larger organizations.

NHHPC members NASA, Wyle and the German Aerospace Center DLR presented a plenary on Improving the Quality of Life on Earth – Societal Impacts of Human Space Flight on October 3, 2012. Many of the challenges of developing new technologies to keep humans safe and productive in space can also benefit the quality of life on Earth. The Plenary Program featured executives from six space agencies who discussed the successful use of partnerships to develop technologies that have benefits to human space flight and terrestrial applications from the earliest possible stages of technology development.

In addition, Wyle, in conjunction with NASA and DLR, sponsored a Cluster Forum on the same topic. The Business Forum Program for this event included presentations on government, industry and academic innovations with Earth and space benefits, a keynote speech on “Innovation in STEM to Inspire the Next Generation of Explorers” by Leland D. Melvin, Associate Administrator for Education and astronaut, NASA, and an expert panel who will also discuss benefits to Earth from space agencies around the world.